Pandemic planning and response

A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through human populations across a large region, for example multiple continents or even worldwide.

Pandemics by their nature are unpredictable in terms of timing, severity and the population groups that are most affected. The New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Plan establishes a framework for action that can readily be adopted and applied to any pandemic, irrespective of the nature of the virus and its severity.

The Ministry of Health is working with the health sector and other government agencies to ensure New Zealand is as prepared as possible for a potential pandemic.